When Crew Stadium opened its gates for the first time for the 2013 season, fans streaming into
the south entrances were treated to new player banners heralding the new season. At the west and
east corners were the towering visages of stalwarts Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven, players who
would end the season first and third, respectively, in appearances, starts and minutes played in
Crew history.

Now, less than a month and a half after the final game of the season, both players are gone.
After Gaven abruptly retired on Halloween, the Crew shipped Marshall to Seattle yesterday in the
first significant roster move under new coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter.

In return, the Crew received a 2015 third-round SuperDraft pick and, more important, allocation
money. The exact figure was not revealed, but Berhalter said he would not have moved Marshall for a
pittance.

“We felt that at this time, given his number and what we can get for him, it was a perfect
opportunity to capitalize on his value,” Berhalter said. “It was something we felt at this time
that we couldn’t pass up. In the end, we felt like it was a significant swing in the funds so it
was worth it.”

Marshall, a central defender, has been a mainstay in the Crew’s lineup since he was selected in
the first round of the 2004 SuperDraft. He started at least 24 games in eight of his 10 seasons and
made 30 appearances — all starts — during what was considered a return to form last season. Team
president Mark McCullers tweeted yesterday that Marshall eventually will be placed on the team’s
Ring of Honor at Crew Stadium.

Berhalter said Seattle coach Sigi Schmid, who won the MLS Cup for the Crew in 2008 with Marshall
in the lineup, brought up acquiring Marshall in their first conversation after Berhalter was named
the Crew’s coach. Berhalter said the move was made with the blessing of Marshall, who was involved
throughout the process.

In Seattle, Marshall will be reunited with three fellow members of the Crew’s 2008 MLS Cup title
team: Schmid and midfielders Brad Evans and Adam Moffat. In a statement, Schmid praised Marshall as
“a quality defender … (who is) dominant in the air. I look forward to working with Chad again.”

Despite his physical presence, Marshall has suffered from frequent concussion-like symptoms
throughout his career. In 2012, he missed eight games because of a concussion in what was at least
the eighth time he came forward with symptoms after a blow to the head. He nearly retired after
suffering three head injuries during the 2007 season but returned and was named the league’s
defender of the year in each of the next two seasons.

According to figures released by the players’ union, Marshall earned a guaranteed salary of
$361,250 last season. He was due for a substantial bump in salary next season after signing a
contract extension in 2011 that guaranteed him through 2015.

The Crew has parted ways with six of its 10 highest-paid players from last season. Those moves
have freed up a combined $1,449,938 in guaranteed compensation.

Berhalter said that money could be used to address the team’s top two needs: a goal-scoring
forward and a central defender.

“We’re entering a new era, and that’s exactly what it is,” he said. “We’re building a new type
of team and it’s going to be an exciting team and I’m looking forward to bringing it out on the
field.”

The Crew also acquired the rights to Chicago midfielder Daniel Paladini for a fourth-round pick
in the 2014 SuperDraft. Paladini ended the season out of contract but is expected to quickly come
to terms with the Crew. Berhalter said he will fit into the lineup as a two-way right midfielder
and could challenge for a starting spot.

In addition, Berhalter denied reports that the Crew had been in talks to acquire FC Dallas
forward Kenny Cooper.